Dr. Maria Montessori founded an educational philosophy based on the belief that a child learns best within a social environment that supports and nurtures each individual's unique development pattern.

Who was Maria Montessori?

Born in 1870, Dr. Maria Montessori, the first female graduate in Italy to become certified as a medical doctor, developed an educational method that still influences the way we think about teaching our children. She based her educational methods on scientific observations made while working with a number of children from different cultural, social, and economic backgrounds. This in turn led to a series of epiphanies regarding children's learning processes. One of her observation was that young children learn best in a homelike setting surrounded by developmentally appropriate materials that provide life skills. Through observations, Dr. Montessori indicated the following:

Children must be respected as individuals who are different from adults

Children create themselves through purposeful activity

The most significant years for learning are from birth to age six

Children possess unusual sensitivity and mental powers for absorbing and learning from their environment, which includes people as well as materials.

Why Montessori Education?

Montessori Education promotes a child's total development. Montessori helps all children achieve their potential without pressure or competition. Children are free to challenge themselves at their own pace allowing them to build confidence and independence. Montessori education recognizes the individual capabilities of every child and guides each child to discover that potential.

How does it work?

Each Central Montessori School classroom operates on the principle of freedom within limits and is based on core Montessori beliefs of respect for each other and the environment. The child is free to work at their own pace with the materials they have chosen. The directress relies on her empirical observations to determine when the child is ready for more challenging learning activities. The aim is to encourage active, positive and self-directed learning. The younger children are inspired and motivated asking for explanations, while older children share what they have learned while simultaneously reinforcing their own learning and leadership skills. This encourages an atmosphere of inspiration and co-operation.